H.E.
Micheal Steiner
Special Representative of the UN
Secretary General for Kosovo
UNMIK, Pritina

Gracanica,
July 20, 2002

Dear Mr. Steiner,

Two months ago,
upon the agreement with the chief of the U.S office in Pristina, Amb.
Menzies and the chief of the German office, Mr. Schmunk, I visited Zociste
Monastery near Orahovac with Mr. Rexhepi and Mr. Thaci in order to see
at the spot possibilities for the reconstruction of this holy site destroyed
after the war. My firm conviction was that both Mr. Menzies and Schmunk
as well as K/Albanian leaders supported the idea and expressed readiness
to give their own financial contribution in rebuilding of this monastery.

On July 14th I served
the first post-war holy Mass in Zociste with my priests and congregation.
Regrettably, after the service, which was constantly disturbed by local
K/Albanians, the remaining buildings of the monastery were set on fire
because the monastery was not under KFOR protection after we left. I
met yesterday with Brigadier General Skodowski and we tried to clear
out some misunderstandings which occurred due to lack of coordination.
Nevertheless, we have not found his support and readiness to carry on
the reconstruction of the monastery. We simply cannot understand that
KFOR is not capable (or willing?) to assist and secure a reconstruction
of at least one Orthodox holy site three years after the war. At the
same time in this period all mosques damaged in the war have been repaired
and even many new constructed. For such a position there cannot be any
legitimate explanation and we cannot accept the position of the KFOR
as final.

Rebuilding of monasteries
is one of the most crucial steps in bringing our IDPs back to
Kosovo and Metohija because Serbs always gathered there where their
holy sites were. Therefore we plan to pursue with all our energy not
only reconstruction of Zociste monastery, but of other monasteries and
churches as well. We strongly believe that this is our undeniable right
which is granted by all international human rights charters and the
UNSCR 1244.

That is why we count
on your assistance and the KFOR support in this issue. We kindly ask
you to explore the possibilities how we can continue this action without
further delay and finally, after three years begin creating basic conditions
for normal life of all communities. Opposition of K/Albanian local leaders
is not a legitimate obstacle and it should not be tolerated. If we keep
waiting for changing of their mind not a single Serb returnee would
come back to Kosovo in 1000 years. Kosovos democracy has to be
built with strong determination and not simulated with too lenient position
towards those who do not want true peace and mulitethnicity.

Destroyed
Heritage More than 100
churches have been destroyed by Moslem Kosovo Albanian militants since
Nato led international peacekeeping troops arrived to Kosovo and Metohija.
Churches which survived centuries are being devastated amidst the XXI
century Europe

The
church of the Holy Virgin in Musutiste, nr. Suva Reka was built in 1315
and was destroyed in 1999

The
monastery of St. Mark near Prizren was built in 1417 and was destroyed
in 1999

The
church of St. Nicholas in Slovinje was built in the 16th century and
was destroyed in 1999